May 11, 2017

Turning left over double solid yellow lines in California

San Diego Car Accident lawyer discusses what happens when you turn left over double yellow lines

In California, what happens when the road has double yellow lines? Can you turn across them?

Yes, if there are two solid yellow lines, you can still turn left across them, as long as a few rules are followed.

21460. (a). If double parallel solid yellow lines are in place, a person driving a vehicle shall not drive to the left of the lines, except as permitted in this section.

(d). The markings as specified in subdivision (a), (b), or (c) do not prohibit a driver from crossing the marking if (1) turning to the left at an intersection or into or out of a driveway or private road, or (2) making a U-turn under the rules governing that turn, and the markings shall be disregarded when authorized signs have been erected designating offcenter traffic lanes as permitted pursuant to Section 21657.

California Vehicle Code 21460

This is important because if you are in a car accident and your car or the other car crossed these double yellow lines, these rules can help determine who caused the accident.

Solid double yellow lines indicates the center of the road with two way traffic.

If there are solid double yellow lines dividing road, it means simply that you cannot pass a car in front of you by crossing these lines (and driving to the left of the lines).

On some roads there may be two yellow lines, but one will be solid while the other will be broken. If the broken line is on your side of the road, you can pass a slower car in front of you.

Car accidents involving solid double yellow lines in California

However if both lines are solid and are close together, you cannot cross those lines for any reason unless:

  • You are turning left at an intersection. Be sure not to turn too soon (before the actual intersection). You also must slow down, signal early, and move your car as far left in the lane as possible. If not, you might be cited for unsafe turn movements (Vehicle Code 22107)
  • You may turn into into or out of a private road or driveway.
  • Into carpool lanes
  • You have to because construction signs, or workers direct you to cross to the other side, around any construction happening.

Now, if there are two sets of solid double yellow lines at least 2 feet or more (4 total lines), this is considered a barrier and you cannot cross that to make any turn.

San Diego car accident attorneys is ready to help you

Were you injured in an accident involving solid double lines? If you’re in California, we are ready to help you. Give us a call immediately or fill out a contact form on this page.

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